Атлант расправил плечи

           "AndthematterIcametodiscussisextremelyimportant."

           Helaughed."There’sasignofthebusinessman—wantingtocometothepointatonce.Well,byallmeans.Butdon’tworryaboutmytime—it’syours.Now,whatwasityousaidyouwantedtodiscuss?

           Ohyes.ReardenMetal.NotexactlyoneofthesubjectsonwhichI’mbestinformed,butifthere’sanythingIcandoforyou—"Hishandmovedinagestureofinvitation.

           "DoyouknowthestatementissuedbythisInstituteinregardtoReardenMetal?"

           Hefrownedslightly."Yes,I’veheardaboutit."

           "Haveyoureadit?"

           "No."

           "ItwasintendedtopreventtheuseofReardenMetal."

           "Yes,yes,Igatheredthatmuch."

           "Couldyoutellmewhy?"

           Hespreadhishands;theywereattractivehands—longandbony,beautifulintheirsuggestionofnervousenergyandstrength."Ireallywouldn’tknow.ThatistheprovinceofDr.Ferris.I’msurehehadhisreasons.WouldyouliketospeaktoDr.Ferris?"

           "No.AreyoufamiliarwiththemetallurgicalnatureofReardenMetal,Dr.Stadler?"

           "Why,yes,alittle.